Sodalite

The name for this gemstone derives from the sodium content. Originally known as ‘Princess Blue’ in recognition of the rich blue variety of this silicate mineral was discovered in Canada during a royal visit. Sodalite is frequently dispersed with white veins from calcite within the stone. Sodalite can also be found in a violet to pink variety that was discovered in 1991. This is called hackmanite, and the colour fades in light. Deposits of sodalite have been found in Brazil, Greenland, India, Canada, Namibia, Russia and the USA.